“Max?” Ileana’s voice halted him just as he was about to walk away.

He turned, his expression unreadable as he looked at her.

Hope flickered in Ileana’s eyes, “Yes, Max. I didn’t get a chance to say hello at the party–I was a bit overwhelmed. This is our first time meeting. I’m your sister. Ileana.” She offered her hand, the gesture timid but sincere.

Max made no move to take it. Her hand hovered awkwardly in the air before she withdrew it, embarrassed.

“Let’s drop the whole ‘brother and sister‘ act, shall we?” Max’s tone was cold, almost mocking. “The Tate family isn’t exactly famous for family values.” His words were blunt, cutting straight through any pretense. Ileana froze, then slowly lowered her hand.

“Is that just your view, or is only one person in this house allowed to call you ‘brother‘?”

He met her gaze, his eyes full of disdain. “Who knows?” Max’s mouth curled into a smirk. “Maybe none of you.”

“Is that why you all sabotaged the reunion party tonight? Was it for Alessia’s sake, to make a point?” Ileana’s voice trembled as she finally let her frustration spill out.

“Was it my fault I was taken away as a baby? All I ever wanted was to find

my real parents–how is that wrong? She got seventeen years of the life that was supposed to be mine. Now I’m just taking back what belongs to me! I’m your family, not her!”

enough, didn’t you? Left behind the people who raised you for seventeen years just to come here

every

keep your place as the Tate family’s ‘princess, you’d better behave. Don’t

I wanted was a walk–in

in this house. Your

go of her, took out a handkerchief, and wiped his fingers before tossing the cloth at

1/2

16.43

Chapter 80

really think Alessia is coming back?” Ileana snapped, abandoning

yot is none

to get you out of this house. Got it? If you understand, you’ll behave yourself.” With that, he strode away,

York’s gaze met Ileana’s, sharp and unfriendly. The next second, Rex lunged at her, making

the dog obediently followed, not forgetting to bare his teeth at Ileana as

loose, her face clouded with anger, knuckles white as

and paused when she

“Miss…”

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